PERFORMANCE · GLOSSARY
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW)
The maximum weight at which an aircraft is certified to begin its take-off roll, including fuel, payload and crew.
IN PRACTICE
MTOW is fixed by the aircraft's type certificate. It is the single most important number in performance planning because every runway analysis is referenced against it.
GO DEEPER ON LIMITLESS SKY
Frequently asked
What does Maximum Take-Off Weight mean in private aviation?
The maximum weight at which an aircraft is certified to begin its take-off roll, including fuel, payload and crew.
How is maximum take-off weight calculated?
MTOW is fixed by the aircraft's type certificate. It is the single most important number in performance planning because every runway analysis is referenced against it.
Why does maximum take-off weight affect my charter quote?
Performance figures determine whether an aircraft can fly your route non-stop, the runway it can use and the payload it can carry — all of which feed into pricing and aircraft selection.
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